Expandable-collapsible multipurpose frame apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention envisions a multi-purpose expandable-collapsible frame apparatus that may be used as a bed flame, gazebo, or awning. The apparatus utilizes a telescoping central support apparatus designed such that when a force is applied to the central support apparatus a plurality of floating arm assemblies expand outwardly from the central support apparatus. Furthermore, support straps and a cover add stability and utility to the frame apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to expandable frames thatsupport weight and more specifically to expandable flames that may serveas a bed flame, awnings, gazebo or other similar devices.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Expandable-collapsible frames have been developed over the years invarious forms and styles. Some possess designs directed towardmechanisms for sleeping and/or lounging, these include foldable futonswherein a top section may bend over a bottom section, or some designswhich employ three or more foldable sections are involved. Other typesof mechanisms rely on scissor type designs that comprise leg membersthat when not in use are folded in such a manner as to rest withinsubstantially the same plane as a frame member and then extend outwarduntil they are substantially perpendicular to said frame member when thelegs are in use.

Upon the development of durable and semi-durable air beds (and or otherportable type mattresses) additional designs were developed that allowedfor substantially inward collapsibility verses the intra-planarcollapsibility designs. Thus, these more portable frames could betransported with these new highly portable mattresses. These inwardlycollapsing portable frames allowed for the frame to collapse so that theframe's length and width dimensions, while collapsed, were a fraction ofthe frame's length and width when it was fully expanded. However, thesecollapsible frames still required multiple exertions of force in orderto expand the mattress until it was fully constructed.

The required pushing and pulling from external forces to expand theseearlier inwardly collapsible frames increase the user's time needed forassembly of the frame. Further, when users applied forces on the frameduring assembly, these forces could inadvertently produce undesirabletorsion on various frame joints causing improper twisting on the framewhich leads to decreased frame durability and longevity. Additionally,these inwardly collapsible frames were often designed specifically tosolely meet one particular function, such as supporting mattresses andthus systems that facilitate multiple purposes were not addressed andtherefore not implemented.

What is needed is an inwardly collapsible, multi-purpose frame apparatusthat prevents the improper application of force during setup that mayinadvertently damage the frame. This invention provides thatfunctionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention, as illustrated herein, is clearly notanticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior artmechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. Anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus designed to overcome thepreviously mentioned shortcomings would give users a much more effectivemeans of quickly and conveniently setting up the a portable framewithout risking to put inadvertent strain on the frame itself. Thus, theseveral embodiments of the instant invention are illustrated herein.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome thepreviously mentioned shortcomings of other collapsible frame apparatusesby providing an expandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises acentral support apparatus, wherein this central support apparatus istelescopic and depressible.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises at least onefloating support member that is driven out from the center supportmember when the center support member is depressed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises support strapsthat span each axis of the frame along expanding floating arm members toprovide stability as the arms expand.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises support strapsthat span each axis of the frame along expanding floating arm members toprovide stability as the arms expand and help to lock out the apparatusarms when weight is applied to the frame.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises at least onefloating arm assembly that is driven out from the center support memberwhen the center support member is depressed and, wherein said at leastone floating arm assembly is telescopic.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises at least onefloating arm assembly that is driven out from the center support memberwhen the center support member is depressed and, wherein said at leastone floating arm assembly comprises at least one scissor joint.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises at least onefloating arm assembly that is driven out from the center support memberwhen the center support member is depressed and, wherein said at leastone floating arm assembly comprises at least one telescoping supportmember.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises a coversubstantially comprising light weight flexible materials.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises a coversubstantially comprised of textile materials.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises a coversubstantially comprised of textile materials, wherein upon actuation ofthe central support apparatus, the cover becomes substantially taught,thereby allowing the frame to mechanically function similar to anumbrella.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises a coversubstantially comprised of textile materials, wherein upon actuation ofthe central support apparatus, the cover becomes substantially taught,thereby allowing the frame to be used as an awning.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus that comprises a coversubstantially comprised of textile materials, wherein upon actuation ofthe central support apparatus, the cover becomes substantially taught,thereby allowing the frame to be used as a gazebo.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with variousfeatures of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed outwith particularity in the claims and Detailed Description of theEmbodiments Sections, and drawings of this application, with all saidsections also adding to this disclosure. The instant invention asillustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, oreven present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in anycombination thereof.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the frame in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understand, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additionalfeatures of the invention that will be described hereinafter and whichwill form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus with a cover over it.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus with a bed mattress resting uponit.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus with a bed mattress resting uponit.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame while fully expanded.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame beginning to collapse inwardly from itsfully expanded position.

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame collapsing inwardly from its fully expandedposition.

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame collapsing inwardly and approaching itsfully collapsed state.

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame in a fully collapsed state.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame with a cover over it.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional bottom isometric view of themulti-function expandable-collapsible frame with a cover over it.

FIG. 11 illustrates an external side view of a central support assembly.

FIG. 12 illustrates an internal side view of a central support assembly.

FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional internal side view of a central supportassembly, wherein the base support member is not shown.

FIG. 14 illustrates a sectional internal side view of a central supportassembly, wherein the base support member is shown.

FIG. 15 illustrates side view of one leg assembly of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame while substantially collapsed.

FIG. 16 illustrates side view of one leg assembly of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame while partially expanded.

FIG. 17 illustrates side view of one leg assembly of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame while fully expanded.

FIG. 18 illustrates side view of the central shaft member with supportarms from various leg assemblies about the central shaft member whilethe frame apparatus is substantially collapsed.

FIG. 19 illustrates side view of the central shaft member with supportarms from various leg assemblies about the central shaft member whilethe frame apparatus is partially collapsed.

FIG. 20 illustrates side view of the central shaft member with supportarms from various leg assemblies about the central shaft member whilethe frame apparatus is substantially expanded.

FIG. 21 illustrates side view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus while substantially collapsed andsubstantially covered by a textile cloth member constrained by flexiblecord segment as part of cloth assembly.

FIG. 22 illustrates bottom isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus serving as a gazebo.

FIG. 23 illustrates side view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus serving as a gazebo.

FIG. 24 illustrates bottom isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus serving as an awning.

FIG. 25 illustrates an isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus serving as an awning.

FIG. 26 illustrates bottom isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus serving as an awning while theawning is substantially raised.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodimentsof the invention and does not represent the only forms in which thepresent invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptionsets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing andoperating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functionsand sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are alsointended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention,such as expandable-collapsible frame apparatuses of different shapes,dimensions components and materials.

FIG. 1 illustrates on embodiment of the invention, wherein themulti-function expandable-collapsible frame apparatus 1 is intended tobe used as a bed frame. In this embodiment the frame assembly 100 istopped off by a covering member 2 that is held taught by the tensionfrom the outer edges of said frame member 100 while said frame member100 is in its fully expanded position.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a second embodiment of the instant inventionserving as a bed frame as in FIG. 1. In this embodiment the frameassembly 100 is again covered by a covering member 2, however, in thisembodiment the covering member is pulled down so as to substantiallycover said frame assembly 100. This embodiment also further displays theframe assembly 100 supporting the weight of a mattress 3.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the frame assembly 100 in variousstates of expansion (or contraction). FIG. 4 illustrates the frameassembly 100 in a substantially fully expanded state, while FIGS. 5, 6and 7 then illustrate the frame assembly 100 in successively increasingstates of expansion. Finally, FIG. 8 illustrates the frame assembly in asubstantially collapsed (folded) state.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a bottom isometric view of the multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus 1, displaying the components ofthe fully assembled apparatus. Clearly visible in this view are variousexpandable leg assemblies 110, a central support assembly 120 and aplurality of support straps substantially placed about said legassemblies 110 and central support assembly 120.

FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate various views of the central supportassembly 120. Specifically, FIG. 11 illustrates an external view of thecentral support assembly 120, wherein the central support assemblycomprises a plurality of substantially hollow support shaft members 121and a plurality of capped joint members 122. As illustrated, thesubstantially hollow support shaft members 121 vary in their diametersizes so that one support shaft member of a smaller diameter may restwithin the diameter of another slightly larger support shaft member andwith the diameter of said slightly larger support shaft member'srespective capped joint member 122. Further illustrated in FIG. 11 are atop and bottom central joint member 123 that comprises a plurality ofjoint cavities 124, wherein the diameter of side leg frame members 114may fit within said plurality of joint cavities 124.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate various internal views of the centralsupport assembly 120. In each figure a central spring member 125 isshown running the length of at least one substantially hollow supportshaft member 121 and substantially rests within said support shaftmembers and said plurality of capped joint members. Further illustratedin FIGS. 12 and 13 is a substantially hollow support shaft member 121resting within a second substantially hollow support shaft member 121and a capped joint member 122. FIG. 14 illustrates where onesubstantially hollow support shaft member 121 rest on the bottom centraljoint member 123, wherein said shaft member is held to said centraljoint member 123 by an attaching means.

FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 illustrate expandable leg assemblies 110 in variousstages of expansion and contraction. FIG. 14 illustrates an embodimentof the instant invention, wherein two expandable leg assembly 110sections are attached to a central support assembly 120. Further, notethat each separate leg assembly 110 section comprises at least onesubstantially hollow leg support member 111, least one capped leg jointmember 112 and top and bottom leg assembly joints 115.

Additionally, crossing side leg frame members 114 that are hingedlyattached at, or near, the respective midpoints of said side leg framemembers 114 attach to either the central support assembly 120 by thecentral joint member 123 (resting and attached within one member of theplurality of joint cavities 124) or to a second expandable leg assembly110 (attached to the second expandable leg assembly at its leg assemblyjoints 115). The substantially hollow leg support members 111 aredisposed to allow telescoping height in the leg assembly 110 and saidleg support members 111 rest within one another and said capped legjoint members in a manner substantially similar to the manner in whichthe substantially hollow support shaft member 121 of the central supportassembly 120 are constructed including its own internal spring member.Further, in some embodiments of the instant invention, the legassemblies 110 may rest higher then the central shaft assembly 120, inthis way reducing contact with the surface that the frame assembly 100is expanding over.

FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 illustrate various views of the central shaftassembly 120, surrounded by attached side leg frame members 114 whilethe frame assembly 100 is in various stages of expansion andcontraction. As illustrated, when force is applied inwardly toward thecenter of the central shaft assembly 120, this causes force to beapplied on the attached side leg frame members 114 and thereby causingany directly or indirectly attached leg assemblies 110 to expand.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an embodiment of the instant invention,wherein the instant invention may be used as a gazebo or similaroverhanging device that may provide shade or shelter from the elements.In this embodiment a support member 6 rests above the frame assembly 100and a cover 5 is placed over this support member 6 and about said frameassembly 100. In the instant embodiment, extension members 140 are addedto leg assemblies 110 until a desired height is attained.

FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 illustrate an embodiment of the instant inventionbeing used as an awning. In this embodiment a second type of supportmember 7 rest over the frame assembly 100.

FIG. 21 illustrates packing device 4, the instant invention is used tocontain the assembly to aid in storage or for it to be placed within atransporting device such as a carrying case, or other similarcontainment device for packing.

1. A multi-function expandable-collapsible frame apparatus comprising: aplurality of substantially expandable leg assemblies; a plurality ofcross strap members; and at least one central support assembly.
 2. Themulti-function expandable-collapsible frame apparatus of claim 1,wherein each individual of said plurality of substantially expandableleg assemblies further comprises: a plurality of substantially hollowleg support member; a scissor joint; a plurality of top and bottom legassembly joints; and, a plurality of side leg frame members.
 3. Themulti-function expandable-collapsible frame apparatus of claim 2,wherein each individual of said plurality of top and bottom leg assemblyjoints further comprises a plurality of joint cavities.
 4. Themulti-function expandable-collapsible frame apparatus of claim 3,wherein said at least one central support assembly further comprises: aplurality of substantially hollow support shaft members; a plurality ofcapped joint members; a plurality of central joint members; and at leastone a central spring member.
 5. The multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus of claim 4, wherein each memberof said plurality of central joint members further comprises a pluralityof joint cavities.
 6. The multi-function expandable-collapsible frameapparatus of claim 5, wherein each member of said at least one centralsupport assembly is substantially telescoping.
 7. The multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus of claim 6, wherein each memberof said plurality substantially hollow leg support members issubstantially telescoping.
 8. The multi-function expandable-collapsibleframe apparatus of claim 7, wherein upon vertical force actuation ofsaid at least one central support assembly expands said plurality ofexpandable leg assemblies outwardly.
 9. The multi-functionexpandable-collapsible frame apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least onemember of said plurality of substantially hollow leg support memberscomprises a diameter substantially disposed to pass through the diameterof a second member of said plurality of substantially hollow leg supportmembers.
 10. A multi-purpose interconnected frame apparatus comprising:a plurality of substantially expandable leg assemblies, wherein eachmember of said substantially expandable leg assemblies is attached toanother member of said substantially expandable leg assemblies; at leastone central support assembly in communication with plurality ofsubstantially expandable leg assemblies; a plurality of cross strapmembers, wherein said cross strap members provide support for saidmulti-function expandable-collapsible frame apparatus such that when aforce is applied to said at least one central support assembly saidmulti-function expandable-collapsible frame apparatus is substantiallyexpanded.
 11. The multi-purpose interconnected frame apparatus of claim10, wherein each individual of said plurality of substantiallyexpandable leg assemblies further comprises: a plurality ofsubstantially hollow leg support members, wherein at least onesubstantially internally located spring member rests within at least onemember of said plurality of substantially hollow leg support members; ascissor joint, wherein said scissor joint is substantially located atthe respective midpoints of at least two members of said plurality ofsubstantially hollow leg support members; a plurality of top and bottomleg assembly joints; and a plurality of side leg frame members, whereineach member of said plurality of side leg frame members comprises afirst end and a second end, wherein said first end and said second endattaches to said plurality of top and bottom leg assembly joints. 12.The multi-purpose interconnected frame apparatus of claim 11, whereineach individual of said plurality of top and bottom leg assembly jointsfurther comprises a plurality of joint cavities, wherein said first endand said second end of said plurality of leg frame members rests withinindividual members of said plurality of joint cavities.
 13. Themulti-purpose interconnected frame apparatus of claim 12, wherein saidat least one central support assembly further comprises: a plurality ofsubstantially hollow support shaft members; a plurality of capped jointmembers, wherein the members of said plurality of substantially hollowsupport shaft members substantially pass through said capped jointmembers; a plurality of central joint members; and at least one acentral spring member, wherein said central spring member substantiallyrests within at least one member of said plurality of substantiallyhollow shaft members.
 14. The multi-purpose interconnected frameapparatus of claim 13, wherein each member of said plurality of centraljoint members further comprises a plurality of joint cavities, whereinsaid first end and said second end of said plurality of substantiallyhollow support shaft members of said plurality of substantiallyexpandable leg assemblies are disposed to be received by said cavities.15. The multi-purpose interconnected frame apparatus of claim 14,wherein each member of said at least one central support assembly issubstantially telescoping.
 16. The multi-purpose interconnected frameapparatus of claim 15, wherein each member of said pluralitysubstantially hollow leg support members is substantially telescoping.17. The multi-purpose interconnected frame apparatus of claim 16,wherein each member of said at least one central support assemblycreates a force that expands a plurality of expandable leg assembliesoutwardly when said at least one central support assembly is depressedby a force that is substantially applied to cause said central supportassembly to vertically contract and, wherein said plurality of crossstrap members provide support when said at least one central supportassembly is substantially depressed.
 18. The multi-purposeinterconnected frame apparatus of claim 17, wherein a first member ofsaid plurality of substantially hollow leg support members comprises anouter diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of a secondmember and said first member is disposed to pass through the innerdiameter of a second member of said plurality of substantially hollowleg support members and, wherein said diameter is substantially disposedto allow said spring member of said plurality of expandable legassemblies to rest within second member of said plurality ofsubstantially hollow leg support members.
 19. The multi-purposeinterconnected frame apparatus of claim 10 wherein said multi-purposeinterconnected frame apparatus comprises a transportable bed.
 20. Amethod of utilizing a multi-function expandable-collapsible frameapparatus as a gazebo comprising the steps of: expanding saidmulti-function expandable-collapsible frame apparatus; placing a supportmember over said multi-function expandable-collapsible frame apparatus;placing a cloth over said multi-function expandable-collapsible frameapparatus and said support member; and adding leg extension members tothe leg member of said multi-function expandable-collapsible frameapparatus.